A father from Adelaide, Gaurav Kundi, aged 42, has sadly passed away nearly two weeks after he became unresponsive during a police arrest in Royston Park’s eastern suburbs. Today, life support was withdrawn at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, following his arrest on Payneham Road in the early hours of May 29.
SA Police confirmed that Kundi’s death is under investigation as a potential case of death in custody. The Major Crime Investigation Branch is looking into the circumstances surrounding his passing and will submit a report to the State Coroner. Furthermore, the Office of Public Integrity is overseeing the police conduct pertaining to the incident.
Following his arrest, Kundi’s partner, Amritpal Kaur, claimed to have recorded video footage showing officers allegedly applying force, specifically stating that one officer had placed a knee on Kundi’s neck. Kaur expressed her distress, pleading with the officers to call an ambulance for her partner, fearing for his wellbeing. However, police have disputed these claims, stating that a review of bodycam footage indicates that no knee was ever applied to Kundi’s neck, nor was his head forced onto the ground or into the police vehicle. Police noted that the use of restraints will be scrutinised during the ongoing inquiry.
On the night of the incident, Kundi had been drinking and was seen walking along Payneham Road. Kaur asserts that a passing police patrol misinterpreted a minor altercation between them when Kundi pushed her aside as she attempted to guide him home. Kaur argued that the officers mistakenly perceived the situation as domestic violence.
Kundi was subsequently taken to the hospital in critical condition. Reports from medical staff stated that he suffered extensive brain damage. The Indian consulate has been informed about his passing, which has raised profound concerns within the community regarding the treatment of individuals during police encounters. The situation highlights the critical need for transparent and thorough investigations into police actions during such incidents.